Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities:EEET2246 - Engineering Computing 1 or an equivalent course, or provide evidence of equivalent capabilities. You will need the necessary software skills to complete the laboratory parts of the course. andMATH2161 – Mathematics for ECE or an equivalent course, or provide evidence of equivalent capabilities. You will need the necessary fundamentals in the areas of probability theory and statistics to better design networks and analyse their performance. If you are in doubt as to the adequacy of your skills please contact the lecturer.

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to telecommunication network fundamentals. The lectures start with a broader introduction to connected devices that form a network and the OSI 7-Layer model for standardizing networking functionalities. The course mainly covers Layer-2, Layer-3 and Layer-4 of the OSI model with example networks such as the Internet, Wi-Fi access network, cellular access and core networks (3G/4G network), and the optical fibre transport network. Teletraffic engineering is introduced in the course by covering some basic traffic theories and their design implications on networks for providing the expected quality of service (QoS) and optimizing the network resources. Finally, the topic of network security is introduced considering the potential threats imposed on different types of networks and the respective solutions.

The lab sessions will cover network design and performance analysis using a network simulator.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

This course contributes to the following Program Learning Outcomes for the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours):

1.1 Comprehensive, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the engineering discipline.1.3 In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the engineering discipline.2.1 Application of established engineering methods to complex engineering problem solving.2.2 Fluent application of engineering techniques, tools and resources.2.3 Application of systematic engineering synthesis and design processes.2.4 Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of engineering projects.

On completion of this course you should be able to:

Describe key elements of the OSI 7-Layer model for networking operations and the associated functionalities.

Explain different types of protocols for various types of networks.

Optimally design networks using teletraffic engineering.

Use software tools to design and analyse the performance of networks

Critically analyse the design requirements and the performance of networks

Overview of Learning Activities

The networking fundamentals, concepts of protocols and example networks will be explained in lectures.

Design of networks and analysis of the network performance using traffic theories will be practiced through solving tutorial problems and using a network simulator in the laboratory sessions.

The laboratory exercises will explain how to conduct network simulations and develop skills related to the design and analysis of networks.

Overview of Learning Resources

You will be able to access course information and learning materials through RMIT University’s online systems.

Lists of relevant reference texts, resources in the library and freely accessible Internet sites will be provided.

You will also have access to a network simulator software tool and the necessary documentation and tutorials associated with it.

Overview of Assessment

☒ This course has no hurdle requirements.☐ All hurdle requirements for this course are indicated clearly in the assessment regime that follows, against the relevant assessment task(s) and all have been approved by the College Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching).

The course is assessed by lab activities, lab challenge exercises, and a final examination. Labs activities will provide you with written feedback. Lab challenges are assessed using face-to-face marking and feedback is given immediately. See the extensive lab guide for marking rubrics.